Thinking about the worktop

kah22

It's now time to think about the worktop!

Most posts that I've read put granite and corain at the top of the list, and at the top of the price range. But there are issues that concern me.

Granite it appears is open to staining from acidy material: wine, vinegar, lemon juice and in a kitchen used for baking I wonder how long it would be before you start to get stains. That said it certainly would be the best surface to bake on

Corain, another high price product seems Open to slight scratching. So again in a busy kitchen with great nieces wanting to 'help' I wonder how long it would be until your new surface presents you with a scratch.

On a more economic front, if that is the way to put it, I've come across Duropal laminate and it seems to get quite good reviews. Anyone have it? I've heard that laminate has really improved since my last kitchen makeover 15 years ago. True?

Of the more economic based worktops what's your favourite and why?

As always thanks for your views

Kevin

phill99

I fit a lot of litchens and we encourage customers to go for a duropal laminate (of they opt for laminate). They are by far the leading brand in terms of quality of laminate, durability and so on. They come in a wide range if colours, finishes and profiles as well as many of the colours being available in 4.2m lengths. 'Axiom' are another brand to think about. I have also fitted Bushboard Laminates as well as a number of 'own brands' laminates and these don't come anywhere near the quality Duropal.

Furts

I second phil99. Duropal is more expensive than the worktops from the likes of B&Q but you get what you pay for. They are fit for purpose unlike the vast majority of worktops because they come with a drip groove. Couple this with availability in widths for breakfast bars and a proper overhang detail can be achieved. This may not be fashionable, but since when has fashion been synonymous with quality and good practice?

ryder72

If you're looking at Duropal (which BTW is a good product) also consider LEchner and Getalit. Lechner is available only through select German kitchen retailers as Lechner themselves pulled out of the UK few years back but Getalit is more widely available and they probably offer much more choice and detailing than anyone else on the market. Its not cheap, but the product is quite simply superb.

wymondham

We looked at Duropal when doing our kitchen but were put off with the need to glue on ends as per all laminate. when for solid oak in the end with no regrets...

leveller2911

+1 for Duropal worktops, as a laminate you will struggle to find better. I'm not a fan of Axiom laminates.I've fitted 4 and every single one has worn through the top textured part within 8 years. If I remember correctly Howdens were using Axiom so I would give Axiom a wide berth.

Just an opinion but Corian isn't all its hyped up to be, it stains with teabags etc.

provista_2

I've had granite work tops for 7 years now, I bake and cook a lot and it still looks like new. It's been through 2 teenagers now in their early twenties and no marks or stains despite having vinegar, curry, tomatoes and everything in between spilt and left on. Why don't teenagers see spills.
Would definitely have it again .

ryder72

'Just an opinion but Corian isn't all its hyped up to be, it stains with teabags etc.

This is not correct. I dont like Corian much but it is the only worktop that cannot stain. It is completely impervious to staining because it is an acrylic based product. The 'staining' you mention is surface discolouration and due to the colour of tea getting trapped into surface imperfection of the material. A very mild bleaching agent will remove it as will covering the stain in warm water and fairy for a good hour or so.

Dont however use strong bleach on Corian as it will bleach out the colouring in the acrylic.

bigjoe

wymondham wrote: »

We looked at Duropal when doing our kitchen but were put off with the need to glue on ends as per all laminate. when for solid oak in the end with no regrets...

We're looking at solid oak worktops too at the moment.